Lisa (she/her) has been running a support group for parents of transgender and non binary kids since 2017 in the Lake Orion, MI, area. She has a degree in Social Work and is certified in Emotional & Social Intelligence and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Lisa takes great pride in creating a safe and non-judgmental environment where parents are met where they are at in their journey with their children. Lisa is passionate about providing moms and dads support and care along with helpful information to allow them to better assist not only their kids but also themselves.

Al Gray (they/them) is a trans non-binary, fully licensed clinical social worker (LMSW-C) that provides mental health services out of Suunta Integrative Health in Marquette, MI. Al received their Master of Social Work degree (2023) and a Bachelor of Science degree in Philosophy and Sociology (2018) from Northern Michigan University. Al’s areas of specialty and experience include, but are not limited to, the 2SLGBTQIA+ population, gender affirming care, sexual health and well-being, neurodiversity, anxiety, depression, substance use recovery, C-PTSD/PTSD, and grief and loss. Al has additional training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and LGBTQ+ Affirming Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

They strive to continually advocate for better resources and support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and beyond. Al’s life mantra is that everyone is different and everyone belongs. In their free time they enjoy hanging out with their wife and dachshunds and remaining curious about what life has to offer.

Al co-facilitates the 4th Thursday Virtual Teen Group

Axel (he/him) is a transgender two-spirit man from the Florida Keys who is currently completing his master’s in social work at Grand Valley State University. Currently working at the Grand Rapids Pride Center, Axel helps to provide essential services, care, and counseling to members of the LGBTQIA+ community. His work often branches over into the arts, and he specializes in using visual art and media integration in practice. While he works with all ages, Axel’s work primarily centers around helping adolescents and young adults in the community. Axel received his undergraduate degree in History and is an alumnus of Interlochen Arts Academy.

Axel co-facilitates the 2nd Thursday Grand Rapids in-person teen group.

Emily (she/her/hers) is an attorney, mediator, divorce coach and licensed master social worker in New York City, and is also a parent to a transgender and neurodiverse child, as well as a cisgender and neurotypical child. She is passionate about helping young people of any age be understood, appreciated and nurtured for who they are. She believes that one of the best ways to do this is by providing a separate, safe and non-judgmental space for their parents to ask questions, learn about themselves and their child, and be supported.

Emily facilitates the 2nd Thursday virtual parent group.

Rachel Nixon (she/her/hers) is a Family Medicine physician in the Metro Detroit area where she does gender affirming care for transgender folks – both adults and adolescents. She is also the mother to three amazing children – one who identifies as transgender and two who identify as cisgender.

She is passionate about supporting not only the transgender person in their journey of self discovery and actualization, but also their families. She also has been serving as an Ally Parent since 2023. 

Rachel co-facilitates the 4th Thursday Virtual Parent Support Group

Caty Sikelianos-Carter (she/her) holds LCAT, LCMHC, licenses and is a nationally board certified Creative Arts Therapist (ATR-BC). She has decades of experience working with youth as a therapist, educator, group facilitator, and parent. Caty runs a virtual private practice and offers coaching services as well.

Caty has been co-facilitating a SwT parent group for over a year now and is a staunch advocate for trans rights both nationally and internationally. In addition, she is the parent of a trans teen.

Caty is the new facilitator for the Treehouse tween group 2nd and 4th Mondays.

Danette Tritch (she/her) lives in Colorado Springs where she advocates with Inside Out Youth Services as the facilitator of TransParenting, a parent support group. Danette serves on the Board of PFLAG Colorado Springs. She is mom to an adult trans child and has been an Ally Parent since 2015.

Danette co-facilitates our new support group for parents who have adult children who have transitioned. The 3rd Sunday, Parents of Adult Trans Children.

Jesse Walter is a support group facilitator dedicated to creating safe, affirming spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. As a transgender man with lived experience navigating identity, transition, and personal growth, Jesse brings both empathy and authenticity to his work. He understands the importance of community and believes that meaningful connection can be a powerful catalyst for healing and resilience.

Jesse facilitates groups with a focus on psychological safety, respectful dialogue, and mutual support. His approach encourages participants to share openly while honoring each person’s unique journey. Known for his thoughtful listening and steady presence, he strives to help others build confidence, develop coping strategies, and recognize their own strength.

Outside of his facilitation work, Jesse is a biomedical engineering student and U.S. Navy veteran who values service, integrity, and lifelong learning. These experiences shape his commitment to advocacy and inclusive support.

Jesse views facilitation not simply as guidance, but as a collaborative process — one where growth happens through shared experience, compassion, and trust.